Blanc: France will fight fire with fire against Spain

The former Barcelona defender has no intention of abandoning his footballing philosophy against the reigning world and European champions in Donetsk on Saturday

France boss Laurent Blanc will instruct his troops to play their usual attacking game in Saturday's Euro 2012 quarter-final clash with Spain.

Les Bleus have been criticised by some pundits for attempting to imitate Barcelona's brand of 'tiki-taka', which has been embraced by La Roja to great effect in recent years.

However, after analysing Vicente del Bosque's side's performances in the group stages, Blanc has decided that the best way to defeat the reigning world and European champions is to fight fire with fire.

France look to respond after loss

"This morning I watched Croatia-Spain and Italy-Spain," the former Blaugrana defender is quoted as saying by RMC.

"These two teams caused problems for the Spanish. They had opportunities and had the chance [to win] the game.

"Looking at the two games, there was one that preferred to defend and the other who preferred trying to play their own game; I hope that France will choose the latter."

France's meeting with Spain in Donetsk is scheduled to get under way at 20:45CET.